Copyright Infringement and MMA

My post this week is dedicated the notorious case between The Verve and The Rolling Stones (though more specifically Allen Klein, Stones’ manager and publishing controller).

In 1997 The Verve asked permission from the Andrew Oldham Orchestra to use a 5 note sample from their inspired by composition of The Rolling Stones’ The Last Time which was originally done by a man named David Whitaker who, ironically, never gets named or compensated for any of this beyond perhaps his original contribution and payment. The Verve was given permission by Decca Records in 1997, who owned the publishing rights of Oldham’s music. In a twisted turn of events Allen Klein owner of The Rolling Stones most current publishing (at the time) Came in and essentially said they were never asked permission (even though their sample was exclusively from the orchestral composition/cover by Andrew Oldham and NOT The Rolling Stones).

Allen Klein had a reputation in the music industry for always making sure dues were paid and money owed was money paid. Allen Klein had agreed that The Verve could release their song with sample on their record, but once he saw the massive hit it was becoming he claimed they took advantage and used more in the sample than was originally agreed upon. The Verve chose to settle out of court, afraid that a full fight in court may be devastating financially.

Upon Allen Klein’s death The Rolling Stones decided to sign over full rights to The Verve so after 20+ years they have found peace and are rightfully (in my opinion) in charge of the rights to their iconic song Bittersweet Symphony written by Richard Ashcroft and produced by Martin Glover under EMI Recordings.